How to use two paint colors in one room?

Author: Prof. Retha Collier  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 16, 2025

"If someone is interested in two tones, I generally suggest painting an accent wall or using another color on the ceiling as a 'fifth wall. ' "Although creating two horizontal sections is the most common approach, vertical sections and geometric color blocks are other methods to explore.

How to use two paint colors in a room?

The corners where two walls meet are the best places to transition from one color to another. The far wall usually works well for the accent wall color. Accent color also looks nice on kitchen backsplashes, on the backs of open cabinets, and if you're up to it, on a piece of furniture.

When painting a room 2 colors, which wall should be darker?

Most people put a darker shade on the bottom half of the wall and a lighter shade on the top half of the wall. By adding the lighter color tone on the top part of the wall, you make your ceilings look higher and thus your room will feel larger.

How to two tone paint a room?

How to paint a two-tone wall in 6 simple steps
  1. Step 1: Measure up. Measuring up a line to create a two-tone wall. ...
  2. Step 2: Apply your lighter colour. Paint your lighter colour first. ...
  3. Step 3: Chalk up. Remarking your wall split with chalk and string. ...
  4. Step 4: Mask up. ...
  5. Step 5: Apply your darker colour. ...
  6. Step 6: Unveil.

How to divide a wall with two paint colors horizontally?

Once the paint is completely dry, you're ready to create your split wall. Chalk your line by measuring down from the ceiling and marking a few dashed pencil lines using the tape measure. Next, rub chalk along a length of string. Stretch the string across the wall and secure it with masking tape at each end.

How to use Paint to Make Your Space look Larger with Sharon Grech - Cityline | Benjamin Moore

Should you paint darker colors on top or bottom?

Generally, putting lighter paint colors at the top of a room and darker colors near the bottom will help make most rooms look taller than they actually are. “If your room has wainscoting, consider painting a darker hue on the paneling and a lighter shade on the wall above,” Holdefehr says.

What is lick paint?

British-born brand Lick is on a mission to make painting and decorating more enjoyable and sustainable. Lick paints are water-based, low VOC, and benefit from a high pigment content, meaning they cover walls and surfaces brilliantly with a rich and vibrant colour.

What is the rule for painting walls with different colors?

In order to not overpower your room's color scheme, professionals use a little rule called the 60-30-10 wall color rule to maintain the space's color balance. Simply put, 60% of your room will have the dominant color, 30% should primarily be the secondary color, and 10% the accent color.

How can you tell if two paint colors go together?

Use the Color Wheel

The color wheel you may remember from high school art class can be the perfect tool for picking multiple paint colors for your house. The wheel helps you choose complementary colors — which are located opposite one another on the wheel — to find combinations that look great together.

Should my accent wall be lighter or darker?

Accent colors are meant to pop, and create visual interest in a space: When choosing an accent wall, select a wall with purpose–your eye will be drawn to it immediately. For rooms with darker color walls, consider going lighter for an accent wall. If the walls are light and airy, consider a deeper, bolder color.

Should my kitchen and living room be the same color?

'The kitchen's colors should flow into the living room, ensuring a smooth transition throughout the home. While the design doesn't need to be identical, incorporating connections like pulling in an accent color or repeating a pattern can establish a sense of harmony and continuity in the overall design. '

Which two-colour combination is best for a bedroom?

  • Lavender and Off-white. ...
  • Light Blue and Radiant Yellow. ...
  • Shades of Grey. ...
  • Light brown and Muted Green. ...
  • Lime Green and Wisely Pink. ...
  • Peach and White. ...
  • Burgundy and Beige. ...
  • Shades of Purple. Prophetic Purple and Light Cadence come together so well that it breaks the myth that multiple colours are only for the bold.

Are two-toned walls in style?

Two-toned walls are currently more popular than ever, and for good reason – dual-color surfaces can bring a truly distinctive atmosphere to your home.

What color makes a room look smaller?

A bright red may seem aggressive, lead to headaches and make rooms look smaller, while muted reds make a room more energetic and welcoming. As red is a vibrant colour, it's always easier to bring it into a room using decorations and accessories.

Should wainscoting be lighter or darker than walls?

Opt for classic contrast by painting the wainscoting white or off-white, and the wall a different color, or vice versa. Get more creative by going for a monochromatic look: Consider a lighter shade of one hue on the wall and a darker shade of that same hue on the wainscoting.

What color is easiest to paint correct?

White. Forgiving – White paint is more forgiving of imperfections and can be easier to apply evenly. It does a better job of hiding minor flaws, such as small dents or scratches, compared to darker colors.

How do you paint a room with two colors?

Painting your wall two different colors can create the illusion of space if you use a lighter color on the top half: It draws the eye up and makes the ceiling appear higher than it actually is. To achieve the two-tone look, determine the height of your paint line, measuring from the ceiling down for a horizontal break.

When 2 complementary colors are painted side by side what happens?

Complementary colours are colours opposite each other on the colour wheel. When mixed together they cancel each other out. They make each other look more vibrant when painted side by side.

What is the difference between masking tape and painters tape?

The difference between painter's tape and masking tape lies primarily in the adhesive. Masking tape is designed to be extra sticky and not come off, while painter's tape is designed to have a low tack that makes it easier to remove after painting and less likely to leave residue.

How do you paint corners where two colors meet?

Tape and Repaint the Corner

Sometimes, using small portions of tape and lining them up together can make this process easier, but you have to ensure that the tape lines up perfectly so you don't have crooked seam marks. Once your tape is laid down, repaint over the corner seam with the first paint color.

How do you blend two wall colors?

Instructions
  1. Prepare your space: Tape off the wall using painter's tape. ...
  2. Apply the lightest paint color: ...
  3. Apply the darkest paint color: ...
  4. Apply the middle paint color: ...
  5. Combine medium and dark paint colors: ...
  6. Combine medium and light paint colors: ...
  7. Repeat until paint is blended:

What is the best color for an accent wall?

A dramatic accent wall can instantly transform the mood and energy of a space. Painting a wall in a rich, saturated hue like deep red, royal blue, or forest green instantly draws the eye. These bold colors add depth and visual interest, making a room feel more dynamic and alive.

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